PHILLY SPORTS CORNER- EAGLES, PHILLIES

 Sizing up Black Sunday in Philadelphia sports..

Eagles-

5 1/2 point favorites, the Eagles were predicted not to have much trouble with Washington. A team with no (nick)name. The former Redskin offense was porous, starting the season with second-year quarterback Dwayne Haskins. Under new coach Ron Rivera, Washington was still a work in progress.

Meanwhile, the Birds had consistentcy on their side, with Coach Doug Pederson and 5th-year QB Carson Wentz. Up 17-0 just like that, the Eagles threatened to make the season opener a blow-out. Instead it was Philly that crumbled in a disappointing and shocking 27-17 loss.

Here are some of the low-lights:_ Wentz has to know better than to throw the weak interceptions he lamely tossed. Pederson can't call those plays- sideline patterns to rookie receivers. The Washington cornerbacks jumped the routes as the wide-outs failed to fight for the ball. Worse yet, the first pick came with only over a minute left in the fiest half. Like a goal scored in the final seconds of a hockey period, the momentum immediately shifted to Washington. After a promising start, including touchdowns to tight ends Ertz and Goddard, suddenly one could feel the game slowly slipping away.

_ Questionable play-calling. Still up 17-14 in the 3rd quarter, ball on the Washington 45, 4th and 4 to go, Pederson decided to go for it. Why not punt, pin the Washington team near the goal line ( whatever happened to the coffin-kick? Instead, Wentz got sacked when Washington blitzed the Eagles' leaky , injury-riddled O-line and Washington had another short field to work with.

The only way the Eagles couldv'e lost this game was if they handed Washington the game, with turnovers and stupid plays. That's exactly what they did.

True, the Birds had tons of walking wounded for the opener. Lane Johnson and Miles Sanders were the most-missed. But the injury situation traces back to GM Howie Rossman. This team has no depth whatsoever. Instead of using that 2nd round draft pick last spring on a backup quarterback you hope never sees the field, Offensive line depth, or even a running back would've helped down in DC. What about experienced vets like WR Hopkins, or RBs Hyde or Fournette?

Washington walked away with the victory. They played decent defense, nothing spectacular. But it didn't take spectacular play to defeat the Birds on Sunday. The Eagles didn't force any turnovers. Washington played mistake-free football, while the Eagles were full of physical and mental mistakes after the 1st quarter.

Meanwhile, Dallas lost to the Rams, which was the onlt positive of the day. The Birds play those same Rams next Sunday at the Linc. For a home opener it's almost a must-win situation for the Eagles. Can't start the season 0-2. Los Angeles will be traveling cross-country and playing at 10:00 am west coast time. Hopefully Philadelphia gets some key players back for a big game next Sunday afternoon.

Phillies-

The Phils lost a doubleheader in Miami yesterday, falling to 3rd place in NL East, 4 games behind division-leading Atlanta. Injuries hit the phillies hard as well, with Rhys Hoskins and J.T. Realmuto out. Both are having MRIs today. But perhaps the most concerning injury is to star prospect Spencer Howard, who left the game with right shoulder stiffness.

Former top pitching prospect, Sixto Sanchez, faced his old organization in Game 1 on Sunday, pitching a complete game 7-inning version. Sixto is the real deal. H'es fun to watch, hitting 100 mph. on the gun several times. Along with his explsive fastball, Sanchez throws a tight slider and a heavy sinkerball. He is calm and poised on the mound. As long as he stays healthy he should be an ace for Miami for a while- at least until he hits free agency in a few years. The Marlins have a history of gromming young star players, then getitng cheap and letting them walk in free agency.

With every game Sixto hurls and adds to his early fame, the urgency to sign Realmuto grows. Letitng Realmuto go, while Sanchez blossoms into an All-Star would prove devatating to the Phillies organization. That should also signal the end of the Matt Klentek era.

Rookie Alec (Atomic) Bohm continues to tear up enemy pitching. He looks strange at third base ( too tall to play the position), but offensively Bohm seems uneffected by big league pitching. Ideally, Gohm should play first base, with Hoskins staying on at designated hitter.

The DH should become permanent in the National League. Even though the Phillies are  obly 3-9 in 7-inning games this season, I can also see the 7-inning rule going permanent too. It makes the games go quicker, with a new set of strategy. But if you're going to use 7-inning games, it shouldn't just be for doubleheaders. Why not all games/ That way, doubleheaders can be scheduled on a regular basis, giving players more days off? Two games for the price of one would be fun for fans. Like the old days.

I'm baaaaaccckkkk!!!!!!!

 After a long sabbatical from posting on my blog, Wheeling Around Phoenixville, I'm back- this time to stay. I took a break to finish my book, An Unbreakable Spirit. It's in the hands of an excellent editor now. A book cover is being designed, too. Hopefully I'll have a publisher soon. Can't wait for the world to see my work! Hopefully everyone will enjpy my story. In these times oh uncertainy and strife, may it inspire and be a source of hope!

I've also become more active on Twitter. Follow me at #WheelinGreg. 

But I have missed sharing my daily thoughts and memories here, especially sports. So I can't wait to express my views again. All views expressed here are my own, unless otherwise indicated. Everyone states that, so I might as well too,

I've also been busy planning my upcoming wedding with Holly. Yes, I'm getting married! Officially off the market! ( what market?) The big day is October 10. 10/10/20- easy to remember!

Planning has been a lot of fun but also of work too. Getting the rings, ordered the food, arranging for the flowers, phtographer, planning the guest list. Because of covis-19 it will be a small ceremony here at home- only 16 or so people invited, mostly family and a few close friends.  and, of course, Bud and Katie.

Hoping for a nice day on 10/10. The ceremony will be held outdoors- on our new deck ( which is being stained today). Hoping for a nice fall afternoon- sunny, cool, the Autumn leaves colorful and bright. I hate the thought of another winter just ahead, but it's been a really hot and humid summer here near Philadelphia, Pa, so the cooler weather will feel pretty refreshing compared to this crap.

Doesn't seem like football season is less than three weeks away. Everything is screwed-up with the virus. Hockey and basketball playoffs ar ehappening now, during the dogdays of summer. The Kentucky Derby is just around the corner- in September. Baseball is going on- with a shortened 60-day schedule. 

So, what's going on with my local Philly teams? The Phillies are 10-14 and trying to sort out an awful bullpen. They're hoping a few aging relievers from the American League will stabilize the 'pen. In reality, GM Matt Klentek failed to address the bullpen during the off-season. Owner Kohn middleton failed to extend his budget to include veteran relief pitchers. It's stupid, because Middleton paid $330 million for Bryce Harper, who is having an MVP-type season. Aaron Nola isn't getting any younger. Catcher J.T. Realmuto has been able to forget about his contract and loooming free agency, and has had an outstanding season. The phillies need to go for it while their window is open.

Their weak farm systen remains a problem. With a stronger minor league system, the organization wouldn't need to spend big bucks for free agents or even make frequent trades. Klentek's record of drafting has been poor. It's no wonder why the Phillies are swimming in medocrity. 

The Sixers were booted in the first round of the playoffs in a four game sweep, for the first time ever by their rival Celtics. Embarrassing.They fired Coach Brown yet kept inept GM Brand. Still no clue. get shooters! Trade Ben Simmons. He can't shoot- jumpers or free throws. He does'nt learn and is too stubborn to change.

The Flyers are in the second round of their playoffs and lost to the Islanders last night, 3-0. They haven't beaten New York all year. The Flyers always bounce back after a loss. They play again Wednesday afternoon, then again Thursday night.

Finally, the Eagles are in training camp at the Nova Care Center. Getting ready for their season opener- without fans- in a few weeks at Washington.

NFL DRAFT EAGLES- PART 2

 It was stupid for the Philadelphia Eagles to pick Jalen Hurts, quarterback from Oklahoma,in the second round of the NFL Draft. They took Jalen Reagor in round 1, a suspect wide receiver ( instead of trading up to take stud WR CeeDee Lamb), because he was "a good fit." Yet Hurts is not a good fit.

Howie Rossman makes no sense. Or is new player personnel guy Andy Wendl making the selections? Is owner jeffrey Lurie signing off on all of these strange moves?

Picking Hurts so high is just plain stupid on many levels. You're drafting a guy who they hope won't play. If Hurts plays, it means Carson Wentz is injured.They talk of using Hurts as a "gadget player." Drafting a "gadget player" in the second round? What does drafting another QB do to Wentz' psyche? They just signed Wentz to a lucrutive contract. He was supposed to be THE man for the next ten years. Hurts will want to eventually play. Are there plans tot rade him in time? For what? A first rounder? A second rounder would be a wash.

Or are the Eagles changing directions in their plans? Are they afraid that Wentz can't ever finish a season? Are they anti- dropback quarterback now? Hurts is fast and can run. Are they now enarmored with the Jamaal Jackson-type of mobile QB?

With sports at a stand-still, this gives WIP Sports Radio so much to talk about for months, maybe years to come. The lines were fired up with mostly angry callers almost immediately after the pick was announced.

More urgently, taking Hurts at pick no. 53 meant a player who could help the Birds next season- such as another receiver, a linebacker or defensive back- is not taken. They took an under-sized linebacker from Colorado in the 3rd round.

They refused to part with pick no. 53 to move up and trade for Lamb. Instead, the evil Cowboys stole Lamb, and now have a dangerous trio of Amari Cooper, Michael Gallup and Lamb as their wide-outs. Good luck to the philly secondary, trying to cover those guys in the future!

Howie is so out of touch. Hurts - or any back-up QB- is a luxary selection but only if your other needs are met.

What does this mean for signing Joe Flacco as a back-up?  Do you trust Howie to do the right thing with the rest of the draft today?

The winner in all this is Jerry Jones, Dallas owner. He took Lamb, when he really wanted defense with the 17th pick in the 1st round. Taking Lamb was payback for the Eagles moving up a few years ago to take tE Dallas Goddard. Dallas took a good cornerback in the second round.

So, ask yourself: would you rather have Lamb or Reagor/Hurts? Do the Eagles know something we don't know/ Is Wentz hurt? Do they plan to trade Wentz? Is Hurts okay with holding a clipboard on the sidelines for several years?

Buckle up, Eagle fans! Either howie is smarter than the rest of us and this works out brilliantly or.. Howie will be fired or exhiled to the other side of the Nova Care complex..again.

NFL DRAFT -'EAGLES

Thoughts on the 1st round of the NFL Draft..

I've got the draft blues. The pick of WR Jalen Reagor wouldv'e been more acceptable if Dallas didn't steal stud WR CeeDee Lamb. GM Howie Rossman would not trade up to get Lamb. Instead he fell into the Cowboys' lap at # 17. Lamb is Dez Bryant 2.0. Is Reagor Nelson Aghalor 2.0? Seems like a bit of a reach to me.

Probably couldv'e traded down and still got Reagor around pick 28. Did Howie panic when he saw Lamb sliding? Reagor was a good pick; Lamb was a greta pick.

Seems like Lamb's father is friends with the new Eagles receiver coach. Did this play into the equation?

The key will be tonigh. The 2nd and 3rd roud picks better be special. Howei didn't want to give either up to get Lamb. Maybe Atlanta wouldn't trade out of # 16, but the birds shouldv'e traded up before that. Rumors were #11 from the Jets. Instead Howie sat pat and got Reagor.

Reagor has good speed but drops too many passes. Lamb is the more complete player. He gives Dallas yet another weapon. The trio of Amari Cooper, Robery Gallup and Lamb will punish secondaries for years.

If Reagor turns out to be a bust, Rossman will pay with his job. Owner Jeffrey lurie won't stand for it.

The Eagles should take at least one or two more receivers before the weekend is over. If the Birds were going to pass on Justin Jefferson ( who went to Minnesota with the next selection, # 22), why not take one of the stud linebackers? Both Queen and Murray were available. This draft is stocked with wide-outs. Why not get the stud linebacker then get receivers later?

So far, the draft doesn't excite me. No matter what Rossman does, it won't erase the fact that Lamb will be a Pro Bowler for many years to come..with the evil Cowboys. Dallas got their revenge llast night by taking Lamn- revenge for losing their December game ( and the NFL Eaat ) to Philly and for the Eagles taking TE Dallas Goddard over Dallas in the draft last year. 


 The overall draft was odd. Of course, with the lock-down, there were no fans involved. Comissioner Roger Goodell was stiff and wooden. Too many commercials at the very beginning. I turned off ABC for Mel Kiper on ESPN. Once into the draft, things moved smoothly.  In a way, it was refreshing not to have screaming fans and fake love by Goodell given to the selections.

RANDOM RUMBLES ABOUT COVID-19 & OTHER THINGS..

My random thoughts on covid-19 and much more..

- I don't go out anymore. Not to the grovhery store, nowhere. I'm lucky to have a nice, warm home to quarrentine in, but it gets stale after a while. I'm sure I'm not alone feeling this way.

It would be worse if it was warmer outside. It will be in the 70s soon. In April the flowers and dogwood trees will be in full bloom. The most beautiful time of the year! We can still go outside, just not in packs.

We had a new deck added to the back of the house. I can't wait to get outside and enjoy it. Rain is good in the spring but every day seems gray and gloomy, sort of like life now.

WIP SportsRadio is always fun to listen to. I call my friend, Steve Trevelise, overnights on weekends. WIP is needed more than ever now. It's a source of comfort in an uncertain world. Familar voices, both hosts and callers, add a relaxing tone. I watch a lot of news now, probably too much. I need a break from the depression. WIP gives me that.

I'm grateful that Holly and I haven't gotten sick yet. I feel sorry for people all around the world who are sick or have died. It's scary to see the refrigerated trucks in New York, lined up outside of hospitals, used as temporary morgues. It's like we see this in other countries, not here in America.

It's like waking up daily and living in an episode of the "Twilight Zone." I almost expect to see Rod Serling around every corner, smoking cigareet in hand, all dressed up in dark suit and tie.

How did this virus get so bad so fast? Social Distancing seems to be working. This is worse than 9/11. Covid-10 effects the entire globe, and it goes on and on. There is no end game to date. If we knew an end to this sickness and sheltering it would be better. But this can go on for months, maybe years?

The virus has made rock stars out of Gov. Cuomo and Dr Fauci. President Trump thinks he is a rock star but he's not. He crows about the ratings for his circus-like daily briefings press conferences. He purposely has them in the late afternoon to challenge the local news ans get maximum audiance. Poor Joe Biden is fighting for air time to get his views expressed. Trump's poll ratings are going up, only 2 points behind Biden. Trump's base believes he is doing a good job because he says so.

They choose to ignore that Trump downplayed the threat of the virus early in the year, when he referred to the virus as a "democratic hoax."  We have been behind the virus from the get-go. The so-called "apex" of this disease may be in two week or four weeks. no one knows for sure.

I doubt this is the extinction of the human race. I think it's just a sign from God, saying, 'Hey there, I'm still  here!"There are no weekends anymore. Every day seems the same. I'm retired, so weekends don't matter to me. But I did go out a lot, especially when the weather gets nice.

We are seeing the best and worst of humanity. People who hoard and price gauge are the worst. People who help each other, check on the elderly and care for each other are the best. Health care workers, and other essential workers are the best. Is it any solace knowing that people all ove rhte world are enduring what we are? Somewhat. But, individually, we have to endure alone.

Lonliness and wearing down emotionally are hidden issues. I feel for the elderly who are alone, separated from family. I feel for nursing home residents, who not only fear a potential death sentenc ein the virus, but are sad because they are out of touch with family and friends. They have each other ansd staff, who ar enow surrogate family.

I miss sports, especially Baseball, which should be starting up now. The real prospect of games being cancelled or postponed is real. The springtime games I looked forward to so much will not be played. I hope the summer games, especially in July with the great Mike Trout, will be okay.  I try to watch classic games on TV. Sometimes it's cool to watch famous games or individual feats once again, reliving history so to speak. But, like the very same film itself, it gets old after a while.

On a personal note, I'm shopping around my book, "An Unbreakable Spirit," hoping to hook up with an agent. So far no takers. It hets deflating after a while, but rejection is part of the game. So is money.

I can always self-publish but I don't want to just yet. It only takes one agent and one publisher to believe in the story.

I promise to blog more often. It helps me too, to vent.

proposal- blogging

Please add to proposal, at the end of Marketing ..

I also write  a daily blog called "Wheeling Around Phoenixville," which I have been writing since October  2016. I have offered free chapters for readers to check out during the writing process and I have received very favorable reaction to the story! Promoting the book on my daily blog would be essential, as readers already have a taste of my writing, and of "An Unbreakable Spirit."

proposal changes

Competitive Analysis:

1. Finding Chika by Mitch Albom. Harper Publishing. 256 pages. Published 11/15/19.
NY Times Best Seller.

2. Angels Among Us by Jack Canfield. Chicken Soul for the Soul Publishing. 400 pages. Published 1/1/13. NY Times Best Seller.

3. Tough As They Come by Travis Mills. Convergent Books. 272 pages. Published 11/25/16. NY Times Best Seller.

4. The Promise by Rachelle Friedman. Skirt! Publishing. 229 pages. Published 5/6/14. NY Times Best Seller.

5. The Sun Still Shines by Jodi Ogill Brown. Fulfill Publishing. 256 pages. Published 11/7/15

6. Ghost Boy by Martin Pistorus. Thomas Nelson Publishing. 288 pages. Published 11/19/13. NY Times Best Seller.

7. Perfectly Imperfect by Denise Goldhammer. Amazon Publishing. 232 pages. Published 11/23/15.

8. The Unbreakable Boy by Scott Michael Levette & Susy Flory. Thomas Nelson, Inc. Publishing. Published 11/4/14.

9. Change The Moment by Michael Kiel. Amazon Publishing. 233 pages. Published 8/5/19.

10. Prognosis: A Memoir of My Brain by Sarah Vallance. Little A. Publishing.  284 pages. Published 8/1/19

11. Being Heumann by Judith Heumann. Beacon Press. 240 pages. Published 11/5/19.

Marketing Strategies:

Other than bookstores like Barnes & Noble, my story should have a strong presence on-line. Amazon.com is key. I plan to open a website to sell my book on-line. I have a major involvement on both Facebook and Twitter, which would help a great deal to promote my story.

I love to play Words with Friends, and have a regular opponent list of about 50 players. The common link is words. I've found that most of the players I interact with love to read as well. Getting out the word through Words would be of great value. tHis opens up a constant resource of new readers.

I have a really good friend who is a radio talk show host  on two major stations, one in Philadelphia and the other in New Jersey. He has read my daily blog and has promoted my work in the past. I'm sure he will promote the book a great deal. Free PR, literally reaching millions of listeners.

I know other talk show hosts in my area. Getting the word out to them would lead to more marketing opportunities.

Getting on Philadelphia TV would be an option. 6 ABC does a "Localish" segment daily, so they would be great exposure for the book.

On the personal side, word of mouth is key. Luckily, my local mayor is very on board with the book. An Unbreakable Spirit would be featured at local stores. I consider Book Signings very important. Not only to sell books but to reach readers in a personal way. Meeting readers would be essecial, since the story is very personal. I want their reactions, good and bad. I know the thrill it is for me to meet an author!